“I was sorry for you the last time, senor,” she said, in reply to his half-humorous complaint, “and yet it was fonny; you were so frightened.”

“It was my first memorial service.  I thought I was going to see you alone.”

“Oh, that is never allowed.”

“Never?  How am I going to ask you to marry me?”

Miss Garavel hid her blushing face behind her fan.  “Indeed!  You seem capable of asking that absurd question under any circumstances.”

“I wish you would straighten me out on some of your customs.”

“What, for instance?”

“Why does the whole family sit around and watch me?  I don’t intend to steal any bric-a-brac.  They could search me just as well when I go out.”

“They wish to satisfy themselves as to your character, perhaps.”

“Yes, but a fellow feels guilty causing them to lose so much sleep.”

She gave him an odd look, smiling timidly.

“As for to-night, do you attribute any meaning to my father’s request that you dine with us?”

“Of course.  It means I wasn’t blackballed at the first meeting, I suppose.  After I’ve become a regular member, and there is nothing missed from the lodgerooms, I’ll be allowed to proceed in the ordinary manner.”

She blushed delightfully again.  “Since you are so ignorant of our ways you should inquire at your earliest convenience.  I would advise you, perhaps, to learn Spanish.”

“Will you teach me?  I’ll come every evening.”

She did not answer, for the old lady began to show curiosity, and a conversation in Spanish ensued which Kirk could not follow.

When it came time for their chaperon to leave, she excused herself with royal dignity, and, going to the door, called Stephanie, the giant St. Lucian woman.  Not until the negress had entered did the grandmother retire, which showed, so Kirk imagined, that even yet the Garavel household had no more confidence in him than in a badgeless building inspector.  He was not grateful for the change, for he did not like Stephanie, and, judging from the sombre suspicion of the black woman’s glances, the feeling was mutual.  The conversation took perforce a less personal nature in her presence, yet Kirk departed with a feeling of exaltation.  Beyond doubt his suit was progressing, slowly, perhaps, but still progressing.

His understanding of Spanish customs received a considerable enlargement on the following day, when he met Ramon Alfarez outside the railroad office.  Ramon had evidently waited purposely for him, and now began to voice some unintelligible protest in the greatest excitement.

“You’ll have to play it all over again,” Kirk advised him.  “I’m only just learning to conjugate the verb ‘amar.’  What seems to be the trouble this time?”

“Ha!  For the moment I forgot your ignorance, but onderstan’ this, detestable person, it is time you shall answer to me.”